Why I Love Judo
It was the summer of 2006 when started Judo. My friends had been taking karate lessons, so I begged my mom to sign me up for a martial art. She suggested judo, and I said yes, of course having no idea what judo was.
On my first day, I was terrified of the big, sweaty kids running around and falling on a slightly damp, green mat. I pulled my gi over my head and remained that way for the remainder of the practice. Thankfully, after another day, I began to love doing judo.
Now, at eleven years old, I'm one of the most experienced members of the childrens class (age group 6-12). I love to help out at the tiny tots class (age group 4-6) and challenging myself at the adults class (age group 13+) once a week. I think all of my experiences help me help others improve their Judo.
I really love doing judo. It's an interesting sport, and one can always find ways to improve. It's a shame that more people my age don't do judo. If the sport was advertised more, I bet people would love judo as much as I do now.
If anything, competitions are the most fun (and most stressful) part of Judo. I love to relax and have fun while I'm not competing. Unlike some judoka, I don't wish to become a champion. Some with this attitude isolate themselves from others. I love to talk with my opponents (after the matches of course!) and swap ways to become better at what we love to do. Many of my opponents from other clubs have become good friends.
I know I wouldn't be here without my senseis. Whenever I am about to quit, they always get me interested again. Whenever my matches roll around at tournaments, my senseis are always there to be my coach, and their tips help me a lot.
I want to keep on doing Judo. I want to become a sensei, and teach others what my senseis have taught me.
Aeris with 6X All Japan Champ Yoko Tanabe
